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Medical glossary

Anaemia

Anaemia means too few red blood cells or too little haemoglobin. Less oxygen then reaches the tissues.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A blood smear with small pale red blood cells, typical of iron-deficiency anaemia
Figure 1.In anaemia, red cells are fewer or paler

01Short answer

In leukaemia, anaemia is caused by the marrow being crowded out, by chemotherapy or by blood loss. Signs include tiredness, paleness, breathlessness, a racing heart and dizziness. If needed, a red cell transfusion is given. Anaemia in leukaemia should not be self-treated with iron supplements, because the cause is different.

02Simple explanation

Too few red cells.

Tiredness.

Transfusion is possible.

Do not take iron on your own.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: anaemia is a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or amount of haemoglobin.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Signs

Tiredness, paleness and breathlessness.

Tiredness
Figure 2.Illustration: Tiredness

Urgent

Chest pain or fainting: get help at once.

A transfusion
Figure 3.A transfusion — Anaemia

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
SignsTiredness, paleness and breathlessness.
UrgentChest pain or fainting: get help at once.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Erythrocyte
A red blood cell.
Haemoglobin
The protein that carries oxygen.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I take iron?

Only if your doctor prescribes it.

When will the tiredness pass?

As your counts recover.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I take iron?

  2. When will the tiredness pass?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: anemia
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: red blood cell
  3. MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  5. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: human leukocyte antigen
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: CAR T-cell therapy
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: petechiae
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: gene
  10. MedlinePlus Genetics. Help Me Understand Genetics: The basics
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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